Know an unsung hero?

Published on 17 September 2025

We all know an unsung hero in our community who inspires us to be better – why not shine the spotlight on their contributions and nominate them for a City of Onkaparinga Australia Day Award?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards, which celebrate valuable contributions to the local community in 6 categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year (aged 13–30)
• Little Hero of the Year (aged 12 or less)
• Sportsperson of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Active Citizenship (non-Australian Citizen).

Nominations should include specific examples that illustrate how the nominee’s contribution has been outstanding and an inspiration to the community.

Let’s give them the recognition they deserve! Nominations close on Friday 21 November – visit the council’s webpage or call 8384 0666 for a nomination form.

The 2025 Citizen of the Year recipient, Kerry McKeen (pictured alongside Mayor Moira Were) – a volunteer with the Department for Correctional Services – said it was “a really nice thing” to receive the award and he encouraged people to nominate their local legends.

“It was a big deal for me,” he said.

“I try to tell people I got the award – not bragging or anything, but just to let them know that there are people out there that appreciate what you do as a volunteer.”